Psychology 485:Theory in Learning and Comparative Cognition

Fall 2010Instructor: Emily Batty

Instructor Emily Batty 780-232-6894 emily.batty@ualberta.ca

• Email is the BEST way to reach me!!!• Please use the above address, regardless of

what address I reply from!! Questions/Concerns:

• After class, or by appointment

Teaching Assistant Eric Legge elegge@ualberta.ca Office Hours: By appointment only

Course Overview First few weeks:

• Introduction, history and theory of learning Most of course will explore current

topics in comparative cognition• Animal learning and cognition• How does this compare to human capabilities?• How have cognitive abilities evolved?

Numerical ability, spatial cognition, morality, language, self-awareness, etc.

Course Website:• www.ualberta.ca/~egray/teaching/P485.html

Prerequisite:• Psychology 381

Textbook:• None, links to required readings will be posted

online• Any text from 381 would probably be a valuable

resource, but is not required.

Typical Class Format 2:00-3:15 – lecture 3:15-3:30 – course info

• e.g. Assignment info and help 3:30-4:00 – activities & small group

discussions 4:00-5:00 – class presentations and

seminar

Times are flexible Short breaks in between

Grade breakdown Participation: 10% Presentation: 15% Written Assignment: 30% Midterm: 20 % Final: 25%

Participation & Presentation

Starting October 12th, seminars are student-led• Oral presentation• Responsible for presenting assigned reading and

guiding the discussion• e.g. 15 minute presentation about selected

readings, finish with provocative questions to start discussion

Attendance is not sufficient for participation marks

Written Assignment Proposal format Select a topic discussed in class and

generate a new research question 5-8 page paper 5% first draft, 25% final draft

• First draft is meant for feedback, so the more you hand in, the better the feedback!!